Paul O'Grady fans have been left gutted after it was announced that he is to step down from his BBC Radio 2 show. The TV and radio star has spent 14 years on the station but is set to hang up his headphones in a matter of days.
He'll host his last show on Sunday, August 14, just a few days after the official announcement was made today, Tuesday, August 9. Radio 2 took to social media to share Paul's statement, writing: "We’re sad to say that after 14 years on Sunday afternoons, Paul O’Grady has decided to leave Radio 2.
"We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work with him again in the future." In his own message, For the Love of Dogs star Paul said: "I’ve loved doing my Sunday afternoon show for the last 14 years and I’m going to miss my listeners as well as the fun I’ve had with my producer Malcolm Prince, but I feel that now is the right time to go."
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Paul launched his weekly show in the Sunday timeslot in 2009, and for many years hosted his Christmas Day special on the network featuring messages and dedications from listeners all over the world, as well as an eclectic seasonal playlist.
The BBC says Paul's final show will feature all the regular features – a Lost TV Theme, the Thank You Letter of the Week and an unexpected playlist. Plus, producer Malcolm picks another unsuitable song for a wedding anniversary, and there's a dubious cocktail recipe. From Sunday 21st August, Rob Beckett will be back on Sunday afternoons for his next 13-week run of shows. The BBC added that future plans for the slot will be announced at a later date.
But fans have been left crushed by the news. Responding to the announcement, @LesleyB58051421 tweeted: "This is terrible.Paul has been a big part of my Sundays." @joanne_stamp said: "Such sad news to be losing such a joyous programme which really makes Sunday evening bearable. @malprin is a diamond and must be protected at all costs."
@vixmccarthy43 commented: "No way honestly @BBCRadio2 you need the stars like Paul, Steve Wright, Vanessa aka Lady V! @malprin though I don’t blame him after half his shows taken away from him." @clairebrass echoed: "Absolutely gutted messed about with his programme it was only a matter of time before he went."
@dandiedinmont wrote: "Terrible shame. Good luck, Paul - @BBCRadio2 won't be the same without you." @aviationcomment added: "Shame another unexpected giant of #BBCRadio2 throws in the towel, its been a brilliant 14 years. Thank You. @PaulOGradyShow."
The announcement comes after Paul worried fans with a cryptic post on Sunday (August 7). The 67-year-old star shared a picture of a microphone with the Radio 2 logo on Instagram and wrote: "Penultimate show today. Hope you’re enjoying the sun unless you’re somewhere where it’s raining then ignore that."
And the questions from his followers soon came flooding in with one asking: "You off air again soon then Paul??” said one. Another asked: "How can your run be almost over already?" A third added: "Do you mean forever or just a break?"
The announcement about Paul comes after a string of exits from Radio 2. Several big names including Steve Wright, Tony Blackburn and Craig Charles all having lost slots in recent months. There was also tears when Vanessa Feltz told her listeners that she would also be leaving the station.
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